Shoppers got accustomed to restrictions

Mexicali shoppers have gotten accustomed to shopping in stores within the city, which has prevented long wait times in the ports of entry, said Entrepreneurial Coordinating Council President Octavio Sandoval.

The business leader told reporters buying habits modified during the pandemic due to the crossing restrictions, and shoppers found alternative items supplied in Mexico.

After an 18-month hiatus vaccinated Mexican citizens were allowed to re-enter the United States

Monday. Although prior to the reopening many expected longer lines, U.S. Customs and Border Protection reports say the increase was slight.

According to Sandoval before the pandemic crossing to Calexico was for Mexicali residents a routine that is no longer so.

“Not anymore,” Sandoval added. “Now people stay here.”

Finding items in Mexicali encouraged residents to avoid waiting for hours at the ports of entry and risk being denied entry into the United States, Sandoval said.

The business leader said merchants adapted to their customers’ needs and offered items to supply the demand.

However, Sandoval admitted that shoppers will gradually begin crossing the border once again.

University researcher Hugo Méndez told La Voz newspaper that border crossings did not immediately increase as the reopening took place Monday — a working day that is not payday.

“It is congruent with the behavioral pattern of any border resident,” Méndez said. “Long lines occur during the weekends.”

He said he expects long wait lines will increase in the next months, especially by Thanksgiving and before Christmas.